WORKING: The Public Screwup

Joshua Stewart

Updated: 2 years ago.

When you screw up very publicly at work, Brandon Smith says you have to clearly explain what happened right away and what you learned from the situation so you won’t do it again. (Photo Courtesy of Noel Abejo via stock.xchng.)

NFL officials are back on the job in part because of a now-famous controversy two weeks ago. Replacement officials gave the Seattle Seahawks a final-seconds touchdown in the Monday night game Sept. 24, despite video evidence many argue shows a Green Bay interception instead.

That call wasn’t the only factor, but it helped get the NFL and the real officials moving toward a new labor deal (putting the replacements out on the street).

Brandon Smith takes that situation into the workplace and explains how to recover when you publicly screw up.

Brandon Smith teaches about leadership, communication, and workplace culture at Emory University's Goizueta Business School. More of his advice is on his blog and at theworkplacetherapist.com. While you’re there, ask him your workplace or career question. We might use your question on a future radio segment.